Upcoming Events

With a wide range of free events taking place year-around, there’s always something to celebrate in Santa Cruz County every weekend. See what’s happening in Santa Cruz County and check out events here!

Seabright: Farley’s Christmas Wonderland

Farley's Christmas Wonderland 108 Seaview Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

This is a walk-in Christmas display located in the midtown of Santa Cruz, CA. Their exhibit is very traditional: lots of Christmas trees, garlands, sleighs, an elf village, miniature village’s, […]

Ano Nuevo State Park: Guided Hike in Elephant Seal Viewing

Año Nuevo State Park 1 New Year’s Creek Road, Pescadero, CA, United States

Stroll over sand dunes, enjoy beautiful ocean views, and gain a unique opportunity to view Northern elephant seals on this 3-mile, 2.5-hour guided trail! Layered clothing, closed-toed shoes, and rain/wind […]

$9.50

Capitola Mall: Flynn Creek Circus

Capitola Mall 1855 41st Avenue, Capitola, CA, United States

The Bridge is an authentic, original, child pleasing tale. Inspired by a wolf, Nordic Legend and the architecture of connection, The Bridge is a freshly conjured visual feast sprinkled with […]

$23 – $190
Santa Cruz Harbor: Harboropoly

Santa Cruz Harbor: Harboropoly

Santa Cruz Harbor 135 5th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Dine, shop and explore the Seabright neighborhood while it has restricted car access and enjoy the walkability and views! You could win a souvenir with only one stamp! How to […]

La Bahia High Tide: NYE Dinner

High Tide at La Bahia 215 Beach St, Santa Cruz, United States

Ring in the New Year at High Tide with an elevated five-course dinner featuring tamago sando, lobster chawanmushi or local petrale sole, pistachio crusted California squab, or truffle risotto, Australian […]

$220
Abbott Square: Trivia Night

Abbott Square: Trivia Night

Abbott Square Market 118 Cooper St, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Trivia every Wednesday! Hosted at Front and Cooper inside of Abbott Square Market Go test your knowledge, win some prizes and have some hand crafted cocktails! Brought to you by […]

Free

Fork and Cork: Rio Road New Year’s Eve

Fork & Cork 1955 41st Ave Suite B8, Capitola, United States

You cannot get more Capitola vibes than you do with this event. Fork & Cork is a beachy bar featuring a wine list with craft beer options, a firepit for […]

Free

Vino by the Sea: NYE with Spun

Vino by the Sea 55 Municipal Wharf Ste B, santa cruz, CA, United States

Vino by the Sea, upstairs at the Santa Cruz Wharf, is having a  New Years Eve party with live music from Spun! Enjoy a night of dancing with Spun, balloon […]

$25 – $60.54

Rio Theatre: Los Lobos New Year’s Show

Rio Theatre 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Los Lobos are a groundbreaking American band known for fusing traditional Mexican music with rock, country, folk, R&B, and other vernacular styles. They gained international fame with their cover of […]

$115.44

Bruno’s Bar and Grill: NYE Roaring 20’s Speakeasy

Bruno's Bar and Grill 230 Mount Hermon Road, Suite G, Scotts Valley, CA, United States

Step behind the velvet rope for a Roaring ’20s–inspired celebration. Bruno’s will transform into an upscale speakeasy featuring live music by Fire Peach, craft cocktails, dancing, and a sparkling midnight […]

$40

Crow’s Nest: New Year’s Eve Party

The Crow's Nest Restaurant 2218 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

💥NEW YEARS EVE PARTY 💥 Go ring in the new year overlooking the beautiful Santa Cruz Harbor with a high-energy dance set of live music from Matt Masih & The […]

Free

Inn at Pasatiempo: Neon New Year’s Party

The Inn at Pasatiempo 555 Hwy 17, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

"Dress To Impress", if you choose, this years theme is 1980's "Miami Vice", Pastel Suave, 80's Neon Glamour. Enjoy an evening of music, hors d’oeuvres, party favors, photobooth and a […]

$92.55

Moe’s Alley: Jive Machine NYE Party

Moe's Alley 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz, United States

Ring in the new year at Moe’s Ally with Jive Machine, Floratura and Coffee Zombie Collective!  There will be a countdown with a champagne toast, photo booth and more!  Throw […]

$35.46

Downtown Santa Cruz: Grateful Dead NYE Celebration

Santa Cruz Veterans Memorial Building 846 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

The China Cats are a Grateful Dead tribute band based in Santa Cruz and are known for their creative jams and ability to capture the spirit of the Dead’s live […]

$45 – $50

SC Art Expressions: Lumina New Year’s Eve Party

Santa Cruz Art Expressions 1545 1/2, Pacific Ave, United States

This New Years Eve step into a realm of surreal projections, intriguing art, dance beats and lasers as you ring in 2026! The celebration will feature DJs, hourly ball drop […]

$33.85

Chaminade Resort and Spa: New Year’s Eve

Chaminade Resort and Spa 1 Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Dance the night away to live music by The Alex Lucero Band at Chaminade's 21+ New Year's Eve Party. Spend your evening ringing in 2026 while enjoying a champagne toast, […]

$108.40

The Catalyst: Jesse Daniel NYE Celebration

The Catalyst 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA, United States

The title of internationally acclaimed Jesse Daniel's latest country album refers to the mountains creeks and redwoods of his home here in Santa Cruz County. Join in welcoming the Son […]

$49.14 – $73.83

Hotel Paradox: New Year’s Eve

Hotel Paradox 611 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Get ready to ring in the New Year with non-stop vibes and good times at the ultimate Reggae, Dancehall & Afrobeats bash! This isn’t a black-tie, overpriced bottle-service situation. It’s […]

Free

Joe’s Bar: New Year’s Eve Party

Joe's Bar California 9, Boulder Creek, California, United States

Rock ‘n' Roll filled night of originals and covers meets A sonic melting pot of psychedelic rock, folk, blues and more... Local bands New Horizons and Northern Disconnection will be […]

Free

The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park: 1st Day History Walk

The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park Aptos Creek Road, Aptos, CA, United States

Enjoy a four mile, four hour walk at George's Picnic Area and take Loma Prieta Grade Trail to the Porter House site to the site where the town of Loma […]

Free

Henry Cowell Redwoods SP: 1st Day Hike

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 101 N Big Trees Park Rd, Felton, CA, United States

Explore the old-growth Redwood grove and learn all about Coast Redwoods and the forest. This 1 mile walk will last about 1.5 hours and is recommended for ages 6 and […]

Free
MK Contemporary Art: Whim and Wonder

MK Contemporary Art: Whim and Wonder

m.k. contemporary art gallery Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Whim & Wonder invites you into a world where the extraordinary hides in plain sight. This exhibition celebrates the playful elegance and curious brilliance found in the overlooked, the reimagined, […]

Free

Henry Cowell Redwoods SP: 1st Day Cable Car Beach Hike

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 101 N Big Trees Park Rd, Felton, CA, United States

Interested in observing and comparing old growth and second growth redwood forests? How about walking by the river and learning about what plants grow alongside it? Enjoy a guided stroll […]

Free
Farmers Market at Felton

Felton: Farmers Market

Felton Farmers' Market 120 Russell Ave, Felton, CA, United States

The Felton Farmers’ Market is a treasured weekly gathering May through October, now running for over 30 years. We appreciate the dedicated customers who call this market a second home. […]

Far West Fungi: Myco-Mixer

Far West Fungi: Myco-Mixer

Far West Fungi 224 Laurel St APT A101, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Far West Fungi’s Santa Cruz Store & Café is launching Myco-Mixers - Enjoy an afternoon of food, fun, and fungi! Each Myco-Mixer will feature complimentary bites, product samples, and happy […]

Free

New Brighton State Beach: First Day King Tides Hike

New Brighton State Beach 1500 Park Avenue, Capitola, CA, United States

Go start the New Year by safely exploring king tides at New Brighton State Beach with a guide. Enjoy a lower tide than can ever be seen in summer while […]

Free

Henry Cowell Redwoods SP: 1st Day Sandhills Hike

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground 2591 Graham Hill Rd, Scotts Valley, CA, United States

Enjoy a mile and a half guided walk from the mixed forest through the sandhills to the Observation deck and back. You will reflect on how the land teaches us […]

Free
Watsonville: Farmers Market

Watsonville: Farmers Market

Downtown Watsonville Watsonville, CA, United States

The Watsonville Farmers Market is every Friday afternoon from 2-7 all year round at the City Plaza in Downtown Watsonville.  Don't miss out on the wonderful locally grown fresh fruits, […]

Westside Santa Cruz: Farmers Market

Westside Santa Cruz: Farmers Market

Westside Farmers' Market Mission St. Ext. and Western Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

The Westside Farmers’ Market takes place every Saturday, year round at the corner of Hwy 1 and Western Drive. Here we serve the communities of the west end of Santa […]

UCSC Arboretum: First Saturday Tours

UCSC Arboretum: First Saturday Tours

UC Santa Cruz Arboretum 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

First Saturday Tours are a wonderful way to introduce yourself to the Arboretum or to deepen your understanding of the Arboretum’s plant collections. Each tour is a little different depending […]

$10

Joe’s Bar: Live Blues Rock

Joe's Bar California 9, Boulder Creek, California, United States

Sean and the Skinwalkers is a blues rock trio. Just as comfortable playing traditional blues as they are tearing through a psychedelic rock song, the common thread is always the […]

Free
Comedy Night

Abbott Square: Comedy Night

Abbott Square Market 118 Cooper St, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Come hang out in the secret garden and have some laughs, EVERY MONDAY NIGHT. Featuring comedians from all over the area and beyond.

Free

Bookshop Santa Cruz: Vinnie Hansen

Bookshop Santa Cruz 1540 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Bookshop Santa Cruz welcomes author Vinnie Hansen to share her newest thriller, Crime Writer. "Hansen hits the ground running in her latest novel . Novelist Zoey Kozinski is thrown into the […]

Free

London Nelson Community Center: Santa Cruz Fungus Fair

London Nelson Community Center 301 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

The 2026 celebration will be at the London Nelson Community Center and feature hundreds of fascinating species from the area, uniquely displayed in a re-created woodland habitat. This unique Santa […]

$10

London Nelson CC: Fungus Fair After Hours Dinner

London Nelson Community Center 301 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Enjoy an amazing multi course mushroom and wine feast with a group of like-minded fungiphiles. Tickets will not be sold at the event. Follow the link in the orange button […]

$165
Davenport: Go To Jail

Davenport: Go To Jail

Davenport Jail 70 Center St, Davenport, CA, United States

Davenport goes beyond a beautiful place to get away from it all. Just minutes north on the Pacific Coast Highway, Davenport has stunning sweeping ocean and cliff views, the first […]

Free
Downtown Santa Cruz: Antiques Faire

Downtown Santa Cruz: Antiques Faire

Downtown Santa Cruz Antique Faire Lincoln Street (between Pacific and Cedar), Santa Cruz, CA, United States

The Santa Cruz Antique Faire is on the 2nd Sunday of every month from 9am-5pm, weather permitting. Vendors offer an eclectic blend of antiques and unique items, vintage clothing, collectibles […]

Bookshop Santa Cruz: The California Naturalist Handbook

Bookshop Santa Cruz 1540 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Looking for more information on all the winter wildlife Santa Cruz County has to offer? Bookshop Santa Cruz welcomes author and Professor Adina Merenlender for a discussion about The California […]

Free

Santa Cruz MAH: 5 Minute Film Festival

Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History 705 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Enjoy the Inaugural Museum of Art and History (MAH) 5 Minute Film Festival! The MAH has been collecting independent films that are 5 minutes in length or less. Purchase your […]

$5

KP Arena: Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour

Kaiser Permanente Arena 140 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

The legendary Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their 100th Anniversary World Tour to Kaiser Permanente Arena! This one-of-a-kind basketball experience combines jaw-dropping athleticism, hilarious comedy, and unforgettable fan interaction. It’s fun […]

$32 – $117
Actors Theatre: 8 Tens @ 8 Festival

Actors Theatre: 8 Tens @ 8 Festival

Actors' Theatre 1001 Center St., Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Thursday Through Sunday at 8pm (plus 2pm on the Weekends) Until 2/15/26. Festival Winners Play 2/27 - 3/8! The annual 10-minute play festival is one of the most anticipated and […]

$15 – $35

Peace United: 20th Century Swan Songs

Peace United Church of Santa Cruz High Street 900, Santa Cruz, California, United States

Espressivo – Santa Cruz’s “small, intense orchestra” – will perform. Guest conductor Alan Truong will lead the ensemble in an exciting program of music by George Enescu, Jean Francaix, and […]

$18 – $45

Kuumbwa Jazz Center: Acoustic Groove Master

Kuumbwa Jazz Center 320 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, CA, United States

A prolific musician, composer and inventor, Jack West is a singular guitarist with an immediately recognizable sound. He has released six albums, all receiving widespread critical acclaim, and he has […]

$15.18 – $28.52

The Catalyst: Pop Punk Band MxPx

The Catalyst 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA, United States

The Catalyst is the perfect venue for Mike Herrera's warm and friendly stage presence. Get up close to the stage, or head to the balcony to take in the experience […]

$60

Rio Theatre: She Adventures Film Tour

Rio Theatre 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA, United States

The She Adventures Film Tour returns for its annual celebration of women pushing boundaries in the outdoors, making at the historic Rio Theatre. This unmissable event brings over two hours […]

Rio Theatre: Eagles Tribute Concert

Rio Theatre 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Revisit all the timeless Eagles hits like Hotel California, Heartache Tonight, Desperado, all performed 100% live! With rave reviews from coast to coast, the concert captures the essence, harmony and […]

$56 – $68

Bookshop Santa Cruz: Gregory O’Malley

Bookshop Santa Cruz 1540 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Go see the prize-winning historian and UC Santa Cruz professor Gregory O'Malley for a discussion about his new book The Escapes of David George: An Odyssey of Slavery, Freedom, and […]

Free

Rio Theatre: George Saunders

Rio Theatre 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Go see George Saunders, recipient of the 2025 National Book Foundation’s Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, for a discussion about his wise, playful, electric novel Vigil, which takes […]

$34

The Grove Ballroom: Valentine’s Party

The Grove 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Get dressed up in clubbing attire for this 21+ Valentine's Day party! The ballroom will be set up with round tables that seat 10 people. VIP reserved seating is the […]

$53.59 – $64.26

UCSC: Jon Scoville’s Music for Dancing Valentines

UCSC Recital Hall 402 McHenry Rd, Santa Cruz, United States

Composer Jon Scoville was raised in Connecticut, ruined in New York, and... restored in Santa Cruz County. Over 50 of Jon’s scores have been commissioned by choreographers and dance companies […]

$21.51 – $44.52

Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds: Quilt Show

Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds 2601 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville, CA, United States

See more than 500 quilts throughout three buildings at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds! There will be ongoing demonstrations, a vendor mall, Bargain Garden (fabric flea market), and a Wearable […]

$20.00

Capitola Village: Sip & Stroll

Capitola Village Capitola Village, Esplanade Park, Capitola, CA, United States

Enjoy sipping local wines and beers while strolling through our charming shops and boutiques in Capitola by the Sea. Pre-registration includes: – Capitola Village Sip & Stroll commemorative glass – […]

$55.20

45th Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Attention chowder lovers! Taste the best at the 45th Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off! Sample chowder from Amateur Chefs on Saturday, followed by Professional Chefs on Sunday. Both days feature Boston […]

SC Civic Auditorium: Violent Femmes

Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium 307 Church Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

45 years ago, their self-titled album got so popular they went platinum, no thanks to mainstream chart success or radio play. In the 80's, everyone had a copy of the […]

$72.14 – $244.92

Scotts Valley: Alfred Hitchcock Festival

Scotts Valley Performing Arts Center 251 Kings Village Rd, Scotts Valley

Get ready for the 4th annual Alfred Hitchcock Festival! There will be film screenings, food, drinks, and more! The Hitchcock Festival offers a rich tapestry of activities, blending screenings of […]

$50 – $150

Roaring Camp: Winter Warmer Festival

Bret Harte Hall 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA, United States

In addition to a day of great live music from some of our favorite Bay Area musicians, the festival will feature art vendors, full coffee bar, local craft beer & […]

$60

Watsonville Film Festival

CineLux Green Valley Cinema 1125 S Green Valley Rd, Watsonville, United States

The Watsonville Film Festival promotes Latin and indigenous cultural traditions with free events for the community throughout the year.

SC Beach Boardwalk: Fun Run

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Swap out your flip flops for running shoes and join the fun with this family-friendly race through the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk! Run a 1k or a 5k, on this […]

Watsonville: Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza

Franich Park 795 Vista Montana Drive, Watsonville, CA, United States

Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza is a family-friendly event filled with arts & crafts, games, food trucks, an egg hunt, and more! Kids aged 3 to 13 years old are invited to […]

Free

Santa Cruz Civic Center: Emmylou Harris

Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium 307 Church Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Emmylou Harris shook up country radio in the 1970's and established herself as the premiere songwriter of a generation selling more than 15 million records and garnering 14 Grammy Awards, […]

$73.50 – $127

Santa Cruz Civic Center: An Evening with David Sedaris

Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium 307 Church Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

David has been entertaining audiences with his sardonic wit and incisive social critiques. He is the master of satire and one of today's most observant writers addressing the human condition. […]

$37.50 – $63.50

Santa Cruz County Fair

Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds 2601 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville, CA, United States

The showstopping Santa Cruz County Fair returns September 16 - 20th for family fun, great entertainment, live shows, animal displays, carnival rides,  and more!!!

SC Beach Boardwalk: Fiesta en la Playa

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Come celebrate the vibrant traditions of the Latino community with mariachi, folklorico dancers, and a free beach concert. Enjoy Boardwalk rides and games plus fun food and beverage specials throughout […]

Santa Cruz County: Monterey Bay Festival of Birds

Mark the fall migration at one of the most beautiful places on the planet for the Monterey Bay Festival of Birds featuring field trips, workshops, family-fun activities, and keynote speakers. […]

Free – $30

SC Beach Boardwalk: Band Review

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Go see an exciting musical parade as 55 Northern California high school and junior high school marching bands compete next to the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in the ONLY […]

SC Beach Boardwalk: Chili Cook-Off

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Bring your appetite and join the fun as both professional and amateur chefs work their culinary magic and compete for the title of Best Chili!

SC Beach Boardwalk: Halloween

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Celebrate Halloween with trick-or-treating, a costume contest, and spooktacular Boardwalk fun! It's always free to enter the Boardwalk, but if you would like to receive a collectible Boardwalk bag with […]

Lester Estate Wines: Holiday Market

Lester Estate Wines 2000 Pleasant Valley Rd, Aptos, CA, Aptos, CA, United States

Find that perfect gift from a selection of locally made, hand crafted wares while enjoying one of the scenic stops along the Corralitos Wine Trail.  Enjoy a glass of Lester […]

Free